F1 sprint races: How do they work and what are the changes for 2024?

The 2024 F1 season sees an altered sprint format from previous years. Here is all you need to know ahead of the first sprint race of the season in China.

F1 first introduced the Sprint format at the 2021 British Grand Prix. In that season and the year that followed, there were three weekends that featured a shorter race on Saturdays.

Despite being greeted with mixed reactions, teams agreed to double this number in 2023 and again this year, with a change to the format made ahead of the 2024 season.

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What has changed with F1 Sprint Races for 2024

F1 tweaked the Sprint format for the 2024 season with Sprint qualifying, which decides the starting grid for the Sprint race, moving to Friday following the free practice session.

The Sprint race will then be held on Saturday, followed by the traditional Grand Prix qualifying, which sets the stage for the main race on Sunday.

Although the Sprint became its own confined event, points gained will still count towards the overall standings.

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When are the F1 sprint races in 2024?

Six F1 sprint races are scheduled for this season, and the first one's happening in China, which is finally back on the calendar after a five-year absence.

Here are the venues and timings - all in local time.

China - Shanghai International Circuit (Saturday, 20 April at 11am)
Miami - Miami International Autodrome (Saturday, May 4 at 12pm)
Austria - Red Bull Ring (Saturday, June 29 at 12pm)
Austin - Circuit of The Americas (Saturday, October 19 at 1pm)
Brazil - Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace (Saturday, November 2 at 11am)
Qatar - Losail International Circuit (Saturday, November 30 at 4pm)

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What points are on offer in F1 Sprint races?

In 2021, F1 drivers received three points for winning the Sprint, two for finishing second, and one for coming in third.

As this offered little to no incentive to put cars on the line for drivers in the midfield, this was altered in 2022 to the rewards system, which remains in place this year.

Keen to strike a balance that keeps Sunday’s grand prix as the main focus, a points system was agreed upon that sees the victor score eight, the second-place finisher seven, all the way down to eighth place, where one point is awarded.

There is no point handed out for setting the fastest lap in these shorter races.

How long is an F1 Sprint Race?

The F1 Sprint is a 100km race. This is significantly shorter than the 305km distance of a regular grand prix.

There are no mandatory pit stops required, meaning drivers will often select a tyre which can comfortably go the distance without too much managing.

READ MORE: F1 Schedule 2024: Full calendar with all you need to know about every grand prix

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